<?xml version='1.0' encoding='UTF-8'?>
<FilingSummary>
  <Version>3.3.1.900</Version>
  <ProcessingTime/>
  <ReportFormat>html</ReportFormat>
  <ContextCount>188</ContextCount>
  <ElementCount>275</ElementCount>
  <EntityCount>1</EntityCount>
  <FootnotesReported>true</FootnotesReported>
  <SegmentCount>62</SegmentCount>
  <ScenarioCount>0</ScenarioCount>
  <TuplesReported>false</TuplesReported>
  <UnitCount>4</UnitCount>
  <MyReports>
    <Report instance="rt-20151201.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R1.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>000 - Document - Document And Entity Information</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://rubytuesday.com/20151201/role/statement-document-and-entity-information</Role>
      <ShortName>Document And Entity Information</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Cover</MenuCategory>
      <Position>1</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="rt-20151201.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R2.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>001 - Statement - Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Unaudited)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://rubytuesday.com/20151201/role/statement-condensed-consolidated-balance-sheets-unaudited</Role>
      <ShortName>Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Unaudited)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Statements</MenuCategory>
      <Position>2</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="rt-20151201.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R3.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>002 - Statement - Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Unaudited) (Parentheticals)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://rubytuesday.com/20151201/role/statement-condensed-consolidated-balance-sheets-unaudited-parentheticals</Role>
      <ShortName>Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Unaudited) (Parentheticals)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Statements</MenuCategory>
      <Position>3</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="rt-20151201.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R4.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>003 - Statement - Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Loss (Unaudited)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://rubytuesday.com/20151201/role/statement-condensed-consolidated-statements-of-operations-and-comprehensive-loss-unaudited</Role>
      <ShortName>Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Loss (Unaudited)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Statements</MenuCategory>
      <Position>4</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="rt-20151201.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R5.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>004 - Statement - Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://rubytuesday.com/20151201/role/statement-condensed-consolidated-statements-of-cash-flows-unaudited</Role>
      <ShortName>Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Statements</MenuCategory>
      <Position>5</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="rt-20151201.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R6.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>005 - Disclosure - Note 1 - Basis of Presentation</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://rubytuesday.com/20151201/role/statement-note-1-basis-of-presentation</Role>
      <ShortName>Note 1 - Basis of Presentation</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>6</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="rt-20151201.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R7.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>006 - Disclosure - Note 2 - Loss Per Share</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://rubytuesday.com/20151201/role/statement-note-2-loss-per-share</Role>
      <ShortName>Note 2 - Loss Per Share</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>7</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="rt-20151201.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R8.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>007 - Disclosure - Note 3 - Franchise Programs</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://rubytuesday.com/20151201/role/statement-note-3-franchise-programs-</Role>
      <ShortName>Note 3 - Franchise Programs</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>8</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="rt-20151201.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R9.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>008 - Disclosure - Note 4 - Accounts Receivable</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://rubytuesday.com/20151201/role/statement-note-4-accounts-receivable</Role>
      <ShortName>Note 4 - Accounts Receivable</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>9</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="rt-20151201.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R10.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>009 - Disclosure - Note 5 - Property, Equipment, Assets Held for Sale, and Operating Leases</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://rubytuesday.com/20151201/role/statement-note-5-property-equipment-assets-held-for-sale-and-operating-leases</Role>
      <ShortName>Note 5 - Property, Equipment, Assets Held for Sale, and Operating Leases</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>10</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="rt-20151201.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R11.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>010 - Disclosure - Note 6 - Long-term Debt and Capital Leases</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://rubytuesday.com/20151201/role/statement-note-6-longterm-debt-and-capital-leases</Role>
      <ShortName>Note 6 - Long-term Debt and Capital Leases</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>11</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="rt-20151201.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R12.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>011 - Disclosure - Note 7 - Closures and Impairments Expense</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://rubytuesday.com/20151201/role/statement-note-7-closures-and-impairments-expense</Role>
      <ShortName>Note 7 - Closures and Impairments Expense</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>12</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="rt-20151201.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R13.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>012 - Disclosure - Note 8 - Employee Post-employment Benefits</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://rubytuesday.com/20151201/role/statement-note-8-employee-postemployment-benefits</Role>
      <ShortName>Note 8 - Employee Post-employment Benefits</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>13</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="rt-20151201.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R14.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>013 - Disclosure - Note 9 - Income Taxes</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://rubytuesday.com/20151201/role/statement-note-9-income-taxes</Role>
      <ShortName>Note 9 - Income Taxes</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>14</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="rt-20151201.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R15.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>014 - Disclosure - Note 10 - Share-based Employee Compensation</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://rubytuesday.com/20151201/role/statement-note-10-sharebased-employee-compensation</Role>
      <ShortName>Note 10 - Share-based Employee Compensation</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>15</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="rt-20151201.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R16.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>015 - Disclosure - Note 11 - Segment Reporting</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://rubytuesday.com/20151201/role/statement-note-11-segment-reporting</Role>
      <ShortName>Note 11 - Segment Reporting</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>16</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="rt-20151201.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R17.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>016 - Disclosure - Note 12 - Commitments and Contingencies</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://rubytuesday.com/20151201/role/statement-note-12-commitments-and-contingencies</Role>
      <ShortName>Note 12 - Commitments and Contingencies</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>17</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="rt-20151201.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R18.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>017 - Disclosure - Note 13 - Fair Value Measurements</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://rubytuesday.com/20151201/role/statement-note-13-fair-value-measurements</Role>
      <ShortName>Note 13 - Fair Value Measurements</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>18</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="rt-20151201.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R19.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>018 - Disclosure - Note 14 - Supplemental Condensed Consolidating Financial Statements</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://rubytuesday.com/20151201/role/statement-note-14-supplemental-condensed-consolidating-financial-statements</Role>
      <ShortName>Note 14 - Supplemental Condensed Consolidating Financial Statements</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>19</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="rt-20151201.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R20.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>019 - Document - Note 15 - Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://rubytuesday.com/20151201/role/statement-note-15-recently-issued-accounting-pronouncements</Role>
      <ShortName>Note 15 - Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Uncategorized</MenuCategory>
      <Position>20</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="rt-20151201.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R21.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>020 - Disclosure - Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://rubytuesday.com/20151201/role/statement-significant-accounting-policies-policies</Role>
      <ShortName>Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Uncategorized</MenuCategory>
      <Position>21</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="rt-20151201.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R22.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>021 - Disclosure - Note 1 - Basis of Presentation (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://rubytuesday.com/20151201/role/statement-note-1-basis-of-presentation-tables</Role>
      <ShortName>Note 1 - Basis of Presentation (Tables)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Uncategorized</MenuCategory>
      <Position>22</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="rt-20151201.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R23.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>022 - Disclosure - Note 2 - Loss Per Share (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://rubytuesday.com/20151201/role/statement-note-2-loss-per-share-tables</Role>
      <ShortName>Note 2 - Loss Per Share (Tables)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Uncategorized</MenuCategory>
      <Position>23</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="rt-20151201.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R24.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>023 - Disclosure - Note 4 - Accounts Receivable (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://rubytuesday.com/20151201/role/statement-note-4-accounts-receivable-tables</Role>
      <ShortName>Note 4 - Accounts Receivable (Tables)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Uncategorized</MenuCategory>
      <Position>24</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="rt-20151201.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R25.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>024 - Disclosure - Note 5 - Property, Equipment, Assets Held for Sale, and Operating Leases (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://rubytuesday.com/20151201/role/statement-note-5-property-equipment-assets-held-for-sale-and-operating-leases-tables</Role>
      <ShortName>Note 5 - Property, Equipment, Assets Held for Sale, and Operating Leases (Tables)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Uncategorized</MenuCategory>
      <Position>25</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="rt-20151201.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R26.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>025 - Disclosure - Note 6 - Long-term Debt and Capital Leases (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://rubytuesday.com/20151201/role/statement-note-6-longterm-debt-and-capital-leases-tables</Role>
      <ShortName>Note 6 - Long-term Debt and Capital Leases (Tables)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Uncategorized</MenuCategory>
      <Position>26</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="rt-20151201.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R27.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>026 - Disclosure - Note 7 - Closures and Impairments Expense (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://rubytuesday.com/20151201/role/statement-note-7-closures-and-impairments-expense-tables</Role>
      <ShortName>Note 7 - Closures and Impairments Expense (Tables)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Uncategorized</MenuCategory>
      <Position>27</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="rt-20151201.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R28.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>027 - Disclosure - Note 8 - Employee Post-employment Benefits (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://rubytuesday.com/20151201/role/statement-note-8-employee-postemployment-benefits-tables</Role>
      <ShortName>Note 8 - Employee Post-employment Benefits (Tables)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Uncategorized</MenuCategory>
      <Position>28</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="rt-20151201.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R29.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>028 - Disclosure - Note 10 - Share-based Employee Compensation (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://rubytuesday.com/20151201/role/statement-note-10-sharebased-employee-compensation-tables</Role>
      <ShortName>Note 10 - Share-based Employee Compensation (Tables)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Uncategorized</MenuCategory>
      <Position>29</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="rt-20151201.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R30.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>029 - Disclosure - Note 11 - Segment Reporting (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://rubytuesday.com/20151201/role/statement-note-11-segment-reporting-tables</Role>
      <ShortName>Note 11 - Segment Reporting (Tables)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Uncategorized</MenuCategory>
      <Position>30</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="rt-20151201.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R31.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>030 - Disclosure - Note 13 - Fair Value Measurements (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://rubytuesday.com/20151201/role/statement-note-13-fair-value-measurements-tables</Role>
      <ShortName>Note 13 - Fair Value Measurements (Tables)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Uncategorized</MenuCategory>
      <Position>31</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="rt-20151201.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R32.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>031 - Disclosure - Note 14 - Supplemental Condensed Consolidating Financial Statements (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://rubytuesday.com/20151201/role/statement-note-14-supplemental-condensed-consolidating-financial-statements-tables</Role>
      <ShortName>Note 14 - Supplemental Condensed Consolidating Financial Statements (Tables)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Uncategorized</MenuCategory>
      <Position>32</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="rt-20151201.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R33.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>032 - Statement - Note 1 - Basis of Presentation - Reclassified Unamortized Debt Issuance Costs (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://rubytuesday.com/20151201/role/statement-note-1-basis-of-presentation-reclassified-unamortized-debt-issuance-costs-details</Role>
      <ShortName>Note 1 - Basis of Presentation - Reclassified Unamortized Debt Issuance Costs (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Uncategorized</MenuCategory>
      <Position>33</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="rt-20151201.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R34.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>033 - Statement - Note 1 - Basis of Presentation - Reclassified Amortization of Instangible Assets (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://rubytuesday.com/20151201/role/statement-note-1-basis-of-presentation-reclassified-amortization-of-instangible-assets-details</Role>
      <ShortName>Note 1 - Basis of Presentation - Reclassified Amortization of Instangible Assets (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Uncategorized</MenuCategory>
      <Position>34</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="rt-20151201.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R35.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>034 - Statement - Note 2 - (Loss) Earnings Per Share - Weighted-Average Common and Dilutive Potential Common Shares Outstanding (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://rubytuesday.com/20151201/role/statement-note-2-loss-earnings-per-share-weightedaverage-common-and-dilutive-potential-common-shares-outstanding-details</Role>
      <ShortName>Note 2 - (Loss) Earnings Per Share - Weighted-Average Common and Dilutive Potential Common Shares Outstanding (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Uncategorized</MenuCategory>
      <Position>35</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="rt-20151201.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R36.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>035 - Statement - Note 2 - (Loss) Earnings Per Share - Antidilutive Shares Excluded from Computation of Diluted Earnings (Loss) Per Share (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://rubytuesday.com/20151201/role/statement-note-2-loss-earnings-per-share-antidilutive-shares-excluded-from-computation-of-diluted-earnings-loss-per-share-details</Role>
      <ShortName>Note 2 - (Loss) Earnings Per Share - Antidilutive Shares Excluded from Computation of Diluted Earnings (Loss) Per Share (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Uncategorized</MenuCategory>
      <Position>36</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="rt-20151201.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R37.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>036 - Disclosure - Note 3 - Franchise Programs (Details Textual)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://rubytuesday.com/20151201/role/statement-note-3-franchise-programs-details-textual</Role>
      <ShortName>Note 3 - Franchise Programs (Details Textual)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Uncategorized</MenuCategory>
      <Position>37</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="rt-20151201.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R38.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>037 - Statement - Note 4 - Accounts Receivable - Accounts Receivable, Current (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://rubytuesday.com/20151201/role/statement-note-4-accounts-receivable-accounts-receivable-current-details</Role>
      <ShortName>Note 4 - Accounts Receivable - Accounts Receivable, Current (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Uncategorized</MenuCategory>
      <Position>38</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="rt-20151201.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R39.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>038 - Disclosure - Note 5 - Property, Equipment, Assets Held for Sale, and Operating Leases (Details Textual)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://rubytuesday.com/20151201/role/statement-note-5-property-equipment-assets-held-for-sale-and-operating-leases-details-textual</Role>
      <ShortName>Note 5 - Property, Equipment, Assets Held for Sale, and Operating Leases (Details Textual)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Uncategorized</MenuCategory>
      <Position>39</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="rt-20151201.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R40.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>039 - Statement - Note 5 - Property, Equipment, Assets Held for Sale, and Operating Leases - Property and Equipment, Net (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://rubytuesday.com/20151201/role/statement-note-5-property-equipment-assets-held-for-sale-and-operating-leases-property-and-equipment-net-details</Role>
      <ShortName>Note 5 - Property, Equipment, Assets Held for Sale, and Operating Leases - Property and Equipment, Net (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Uncategorized</MenuCategory>
      <Position>40</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="rt-20151201.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R41.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>040 - Disclosure - Note 6 - Long-term Debt and Capital Leases (Details Textual)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://rubytuesday.com/20151201/role/statement-note-6-longterm-debt-and-capital-leases-details-textual</Role>
      <ShortName>Note 6 - Long-term Debt and Capital Leases (Details Textual)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Uncategorized</MenuCategory>
      <Position>41</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="rt-20151201.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R42.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>041 - Statement - Note 6 - Long-term Debt and Capital Leases - Long-Term Debt and Capital Lease Obligations (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://rubytuesday.com/20151201/role/statement-note-6-longterm-debt-and-capital-leases-longterm-debt-and-capital-lease-obligations-details</Role>
      <ShortName>Note 6 - Long-term Debt and Capital Leases - Long-Term Debt and Capital Lease Obligations (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Uncategorized</MenuCategory>
      <Position>42</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="rt-20151201.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R43.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>042 - Disclosure - Note 7 - Closures and Impairments Expense (Details Textual)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://rubytuesday.com/20151201/role/statement-note-7-closures-and-impairments-expense-details-textual</Role>
      <ShortName>Note 7 - Closures and Impairments Expense (Details Textual)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Uncategorized</MenuCategory>
      <Position>43</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="rt-20151201.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R44.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>043 - Statement - Note 7 - Closures and Impairments Expense - Closures and Impairments Expense (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://rubytuesday.com/20151201/role/statement-note-7-closures-and-impairments-expense-closures-and-impairments-expense-details</Role>
      <ShortName>Note 7 - Closures and Impairments Expense - Closures and Impairments Expense (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Uncategorized</MenuCategory>
      <Position>44</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="rt-20151201.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R45.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>044 - Statement - Note 7 - Closures and Impairments Expense - Future Liabilites Associated with Closed Properties (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://rubytuesday.com/20151201/role/statement-note-7-closures-and-impairments-expense-future-liabilites-associated-with-closed-properties-details</Role>
      <ShortName>Note 7 - Closures and Impairments Expense - Future Liabilites Associated with Closed Properties (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Uncategorized</MenuCategory>
      <Position>45</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="rt-20151201.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R46.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>045 - Disclosure - Note 8 - Employee Post-employment Benefits (Details Textual)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://rubytuesday.com/20151201/role/statement-note-8-employee-postemployment-benefits-details-textual</Role>
      <ShortName>Note 8 - Employee Post-employment Benefits (Details Textual)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Uncategorized</MenuCategory>
      <Position>46</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="rt-20151201.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R47.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>046 - Statement - Note 8 - Employee Post-employment Benefits - Components of Net Periodic Benefit Cost (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://rubytuesday.com/20151201/role/statement-note-8-employee-postemployment-benefits-components-of-net-periodic-benefit-cost-details</Role>
      <ShortName>Note 8 - Employee Post-employment Benefits - Components of Net Periodic Benefit Cost (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Uncategorized</MenuCategory>
      <Position>47</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="rt-20151201.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R48.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>047 - Disclosure - Note 9 - Income Taxes (Details Textual)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://rubytuesday.com/20151201/role/statement-note-9-income-taxes-details-textual</Role>
      <ShortName>Note 9 - Income Taxes (Details Textual)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Uncategorized</MenuCategory>
      <Position>48</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="rt-20151201.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R49.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>048 - Disclosure - Note 10 - Share-based Employee Compensation (Details Textual)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://rubytuesday.com/20151201/role/statement-note-10-sharebased-employee-compensation-details-textual</Role>
      <ShortName>Note 10 - Share-based Employee Compensation (Details Textual)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Uncategorized</MenuCategory>
      <Position>49</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="rt-20151201.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R50.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>049 - Statement - Note 10 - Share-based Employee Compensation - Summary of Stock Option Activity (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://rubytuesday.com/20151201/role/statement-note-10-sharebased-employee-compensation-summary-of-stock-option-activity-details</Role>
      <ShortName>Note 10 - Share-based Employee Compensation - Summary of Stock Option Activity (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Uncategorized</MenuCategory>
      <Position>50</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="rt-20151201.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R51.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>050 - Statement - Note 10 - Share-based Employee Compensation - Summary of Restricted Stock Activity (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://rubytuesday.com/20151201/role/statement-note-10-sharebased-employee-compensation-summary-of-restricted-stock-activity-details</Role>
      <ShortName>Note 10 - Share-based Employee Compensation - Summary of Restricted Stock Activity (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Uncategorized</MenuCategory>
      <Position>51</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="rt-20151201.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R52.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>051 - Disclosure - Note 11 - Segment Reporting (Details Textual)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://rubytuesday.com/20151201/role/statement-note-11-segment-reporting-details-textual</Role>
      <ShortName>Note 11 - Segment Reporting (Details Textual)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Uncategorized</MenuCategory>
      <Position>52</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="rt-20151201.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R53.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>052 - Statement - Note 11 - Segment Reporting - Financial Results by Reportable Segment (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://rubytuesday.com/20151201/role/statement-note-11-segment-reporting-financial-results-by-reportable-segment-details</Role>
      <ShortName>Note 11 - Segment Reporting - Financial Results by Reportable Segment (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Uncategorized</MenuCategory>
      <Position>53</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="rt-20151201.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R54.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>053 - Statement - Note 11 - Segment Reporting - Assets by Segment (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://rubytuesday.com/20151201/role/statement-note-11-segment-reporting-assets-by-segment-details</Role>
      <ShortName>Note 11 - Segment Reporting - Assets by Segment (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Uncategorized</MenuCategory>
      <Position>54</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="rt-20151201.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R55.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>054 - Statement - Note 11 - Segment Reporting - Reconciliation of Segment Profit to (Loss) Income from Continuing Operations before Taxes (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://rubytuesday.com/20151201/role/statement-note-11-segment-reporting-reconciliation-of-segment-profit-to-loss-income-from-continuing-operations-before-taxes-details</Role>
      <ShortName>Note 11 - Segment Reporting - Reconciliation of Segment Profit to (Loss) Income from Continuing Operations before Taxes (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Uncategorized</MenuCategory>
      <Position>55</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="rt-20151201.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R56.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>055 - Statement - Note 13 - Fair Value Measurements - Fair Values of Financial Assets and Liabilities Measured on a Recurring Basis (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://rubytuesday.com/20151201/role/statement-note-13-fair-value-measurements-fair-values-of-financial-assets-and-liabilities-measured-on-a-recurring-basis-details</Role>
      <ShortName>Note 13 - Fair Value Measurements - Fair Values of Financial Assets and Liabilities Measured on a Recurring Basis (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Uncategorized</MenuCategory>
      <Position>56</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="rt-20151201.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R57.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>056 - Statement - Note 13 - Fair Value Measurements - Fair Values Financial Assets and Liabilities Measured on a Non-recurring Basis (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://rubytuesday.com/20151201/role/statement-note-13-fair-value-measurements-fair-values-financial-assets-and-liabilities-measured-on-a-nonrecurring-basis-details</Role>
      <ShortName>Note 13 - Fair Value Measurements - Fair Values Financial Assets and Liabilities Measured on a Non-recurring Basis (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Uncategorized</MenuCategory>
      <Position>57</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="rt-20151201.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R58.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>057 - Statement - Note 13 - Fair Value Measurements - Losses Recognized from Fair Value Measurements on Non-recurring Basis (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://rubytuesday.com/20151201/role/statement-note-13-fair-value-measurements-losses-recognized-from-fair-value-measurements-on-nonrecurring-basis-details</Role>
      <ShortName>Note 13 - Fair Value Measurements - Losses Recognized from Fair Value Measurements on Non-recurring Basis (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Uncategorized</MenuCategory>
      <Position>58</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="rt-20151201.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R59.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>058 - Statement - Note 13 - Fair Value Measurements - Carrying Amounts and Fair Values of Other Financial Instruments Not Measured on a Recurring Basis (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://rubytuesday.com/20151201/role/statement-note-13-fair-value-measurements-carrying-amounts-and-fair-values-of-other-financial-instruments-not-measured-on-a-recurring-basis-details</Role>
      <ShortName>Note 13 - Fair Value Measurements - Carrying Amounts and Fair Values of Other Financial Instruments Not Measured on a Recurring Basis (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Uncategorized</MenuCategory>
      <Position>59</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="rt-20151201.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R60.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>059 - Statement - Note 14 - Supplemental Condensed Consolidating Financial Statements - Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheets (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://rubytuesday.com/20151201/role/statement-note-14-supplemental-condensed-consolidating-financial-statements-condensed-consolidating-balance-sheets-details</Role>
      <ShortName>Note 14 - Supplemental Condensed Consolidating Financial Statements - Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheets (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Uncategorized</MenuCategory>
      <Position>60</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="rt-20151201.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R61.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>060 - Statement - Note 14 - Supplemental Condensed Consolidating Financial Statements - Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Loss (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://rubytuesday.com/20151201/role/statement-note-14-supplemental-condensed-consolidating-financial-statements-condensed-consolidated-statements-of-operations-and-comprehensive-loss-details</Role>
      <ShortName>Note 14 - Supplemental Condensed Consolidating Financial Statements - Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Loss (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Uncategorized</MenuCategory>
      <Position>61</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="rt-20151201.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R62.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>061 - Statement - Note 14 - Supplemental Condensed Consolidating Financial Statement - Condensed Consolidating Statements of Cash Flows (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://rubytuesday.com/20151201/role/statement-note-14-supplemental-condensed-consolidating-financial-statement-condensed-consolidating-statements-of-cash-flows-details</Role>
      <ShortName>Note 14 - Supplemental Condensed Consolidating Financial Statement - Condensed Consolidating Statements of Cash Flows (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Uncategorized</MenuCategory>
      <Position>62</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <LongName>All Reports</LongName>
      <ReportType>Book</ReportType>
      <ShortName>All Reports</ShortName>
    </Report>
  </MyReports>
  <InputFiles>
    <File>rt-20151201.xml</File>
    <File>rt-20151201.xsd</File>
    <File>rt-20151201_cal.xml</File>
    <File>rt-20151201_def.xml</File>
    <File>rt-20151201_lab.xml</File>
    <File>rt-20151201_pre.xml</File>
  </InputFiles>
  <SupplementalFiles/>
  <BaseTaxonomies/>
  <HasPresentationLinkbase>true</HasPresentationLinkbase>
  <HasCalculationLinkbase>true</HasCalculationLinkbase>
</FilingSummary>
